Credible news reports or official military announcements

Russia's New S-70 Okhotnik Drone Shot Down by Su-57, Crashes Near Kostiantynivka

Oct 5, 2024, 01:01 PM

Russia's new S-70 Okhotnik (Hunter) heavy attack drone was reportedly shot down over Eastern Ukraine near Kostiantynivka during its first combat test. The advanced stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle, valued at $15-18 million with development costs of around $170 million, is believed to have lost control during a test flight. To prevent sensitive technology from falling into Ukrainian hands, a Russian Su-57 fighter jet allegedly downed the drone. The drone crashed into Ukrainian-controlled territory, potentially allowing Ukraine and its allies access to the wreckage. This incident marks the first confirmed loss of an S-70 Okhotnik, of which only two prototypes exist.